Scientists study NSW razor clam boom

RAZOR clams in NSW's Lake Macquarie are a danger to swimmers' feet and have scientists researching whether removing the molluscs is the way to go.

AAPApril 4, 201311:55am

A BOOM in the number of razor clams in NSW's Lake Macquarie is posing a danger to swimmers' feet and has scientists researching whether they can safely remove the molluscs.

Lake Macquarie City Council is working with marine ecologists from the University of Technology, Sydney (UTS) to learn how best to manage the fan-shaped clams, which bury themselves in soft sand where seagrass grows.

The camouflaged clams can grow up to half a metre long and have thin, sharp, protruding lips which have claimed the skin of many unsuspecting swimmers and boaties.